Prayers of Confession on Death

Inspired by Ezekiel 37:1-14

Father God, we confess that we dwell in a valley of dry bones. We may resemble the living but we are dead. Our sin has left us lifeless. We are dead in our transgressions and in need of a resurrection of life. We resonate with the words of the people of Israel, “Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost; we are completely cut off.” May you, most Gracious and Forgiving Father forgive us of the sin that has led to our virtual lifelessness and renew life within us by the power of your Spirit. May you put your spirit within us that we may live again. Amen. 

Scott Bullock

Adapted from Psalm 91

Holy Lord, God of life, hear our prayer:

Forgive us when we follow those paths that do not lead to life,

That lead instead to violence, or hate, or fear,

Paths that lead to dread and death.

Forgive us when we forget that you offer us life,

Life that is abundant and eternal,

Life that began at the creation of all things.

Forgive us, turn us to the right path,

and let your love and grace flow over us and the world.

We pray in Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen.

Pastor: Great is the mystery of faith:

All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!

Pastor: Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

All: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory!

Pastor: According to his commandment:

All: We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory!

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Gracious God, you freely embraced death for us. Every day we choose our own will. We choose not to die to ourselves for you. We take the gift you gave us and squander it. Please give us the courage to die to ourselves every day. Please forgive us for our selfishness as we silently confess our sins to you now…

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

Almighty and Gracious God, we praise You for Your victory over sin and death. You raised Jesus from the grave and crowned Him Lord of all. We confess we have not consistently bowed before Him. We have not daily acknowledged His rule in our lives. Instead we have gone along with the world’s way and failed to give Him glory. Forgive us, and raise us from our sin through Your Word and Spirit. Transform us into faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the One who rules the world and is Head of the Church. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Inspired by Matthew 4:12-23

All: Holy Father, You are gracious to call us to Yourself. You are the King of kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Treasure of treasures, worthy of our lives. And just like Jesus called out His disciples to come and follow Himself, He bids us come, follow, live, die, and live again. Yet, we fail to hear and heed His call. We stop up our ears so that we can pretend not to hear Him. Forgive us for believing that we are too busy to follow where You lead us. Forgive us for trying to steer our lives where we think we should go, rather than submitting our lives to you. Restore to us the joy of our salvation—Christ Himself—and help us follow Him and You and Your Holy Spirit, World without end. Amen.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Based on Ezekiel 37:1-14

Lifeless are our prayers. Dry and brittle are our spirits. Like Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones, we are a people without the sinews of goodness, the flesh of holiness, and the breath of righteousness. We are depleted of God’s beauty and spiritually dead; a hopeless people asleep in the graveyard of our sins. The disease of pride and rebellion has slain us. May, You, O God, awaken us from our deathly repose, put us squarely on our feet, and renew within us a right spirit and a clean heart. 

Allow for Silent Prayer of Confession